https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/34jF1nwh8Z32sbB92dH23yf/listen-and-learn-a-beginner-s-guide-to-identifying-birdsong * Homepage Accessibility links * Skip to content * Accessibility Help BBC Account Notifications * Home * News * Sport * Weather * iPlayer * Sounds * CBBC * CBeebies * Food * Bitesize * Arts * Taster * Local * Three * Menu Search Search the BBC[ ]Search the BBC Search BBC Schedule BBC Radio 3 Breakfast * Home * Episodes * Clips * Galleries * Presenters * Contact Main content Listen and learn: a beginner's guide to identifying birdsong. As Spring gives way to Summer, Radio 3 Breakfast presents Lucy 'Lapwing' Hodson's guide to identifying some of Britain's most common songbirds. "I am a bird lover and all-round nature nerd. I started learning to identify birdsong when I was 22, with the help of volunteers at the RSPB. For me, the best thing about learning to recognise birds by their song is that you don't need to see the bird to know what it is. I hope that this guide will help you start learning about the birds in your area." Listen as Lucy introduces each song in her own inimitable style. Lucy Hodson [p09ddcr4] [p09d3l51] You must enable JavaScript to play content Blackbird A deep, melancholy tone [p09d3n2b] You must enable JavaScript to play content Robin The robin's song is sweet and cheery; it will sing a phrase, then pause, then sing again. [p09d4517] You must enable JavaScript to play content Wren A high-pitched, flurried burst of song [p09mydy1] You must enable JavaScript to play content Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove Two closely-related birds which sound like they are singing their own names. [p09d6848] You must enable JavaScript to play content Song Thrush A varied song with phrases often repeated. [p09d68rd] You must enable JavaScript to play content Starling Listen for a tapestry of clicks, rattles, whistles, warbles and scratches. [p09d6b0x] You must enable JavaScript to play content Great Tit A distinct, bouncy, two-syllable song. [p09myg6g] You must enable JavaScript to play content Chiffchaff Imagine the bird is singing its name, "chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff". [p09d6cjl] You must enable JavaScript to play content Willow Warbler A gorgeous, descending, flute-like song. [p09d6ldx] You must enable JavaScript to play content Chaffinch A song like a waterfall, with a scratch or rattle at the end. [p09mlmdc] You must enable JavaScript to play content Goldfinch Tinkling, like liquid gold falling from the sky. [p09mlmdk] You must enable JavaScript to play content Dunnock Singing a wren's song in a robin's voice. [p09mlmdr] You must enable JavaScript to play content Greenfinch It's like it has tiny hammer or pick-axe, chipping away... [p09mlmdj] You must enable JavaScript to play content Blue Tit It's saying "tee-tee" and "lily-lily-lily". [p09mlmcx] You must enable JavaScript to play content Swift High pitched, screaming noise - you can feel their joy. * Wake up to Breakfast on Radio 3 Petroc Trelawny, Hannah French, Kate Molleson, Elizabeth Alker and Martin Handley present Radio 3's classical breakfast show, featuring listener requests. Wake up to Breakfast on Radio 3 [p06bw1q5] Exploring birdsong on Radio 3 * Ten minutes of birdsong from the English countryside An enchanting natural soundscape recorded one bright summer's dawn in a Cotswolds orchard. Ten minutes of birdsong from the English countryside * The Listening Service: Is Birdsong Music? Tom Service asks how birdsong has inspired and equipped human music over the years. The Listening Service: Is Birdsong Music? * How do you duet with a nightingale? Singer and folk song collector Sam Lee on how the nightingale's musical phrases and leitmotifs make it the perfect duet partner. How do you duet with a nightingale? * Sounds of the Earth Listen to the natural world in its many guises. Sounds of the Earth Related Content Similar programmes By genre: * Music > Classical BBC Radio 3 homepage * Schedule * Podcasts * Composers Explore the BBC * Home * News * Sport * Weather * iPlayer * Sounds * CBBC * CBeebies * Food * Bitesize * Arts * Taster * Local * Three * Terms of Use * About the BBC * Privacy Policy * Cookies * Accessibility Help * Parental Guidance * Contact the BBC * Get Personalised Newsletters Copyright (c) 2021 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. [p]